Analysis
HTS 5603.94.30 covers laminated fabrics (223) under heading 5603 (nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated).
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 83.5% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 83.5% duty.
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 35% of the 51 tariff lines in chapter 56 that are also free. Chapter 99 measures such as Section 301 or 232 can still apply on top, depending on where the goods come from.
The other lines in the same group are 5603.94.10 (floor covering underlays, duty-free) and 5603.94.90 (other: other, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 313230 (Nonwoven Fabric Mills), an industry of 227 US establishments employing 16,687 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
All 2 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5603.94.10 | Floor covering underlays | Free |
| 5603.94.90 | Other: other | Free |